Heavy snow covers campus, Monday classes not canceled

Freezing rain, sleet and snow have created difficult driving conditions in the Twin Cities and the city of St. Paul issued a snow emergency Sunday, but as of now, school is still on for St. Thomas students Monday, Joseph Kreitzer, associate academic vice president for faculty said.

National Weather Service meteorologist Shawn DeVinny said the area is in the middle of a complicated weather system that’s expected to last through Monday morning. Many Minnesota highways, including Interstate 94, were closed Sunday night.

Although snow was falling Sunday morning and into the afternoon, the National Weather Service tagged the high for temperatures in St. Paul at 30 degrees, something junior Mylissa Bringgold said didn’t bother her.

For Bringgold, the aesthetically pleasing nature of the snow was the major drawing point in bringing her outside.

“My favorite part is that it looks pretty and my least favorite part is that it makes ice and then I end up tripping multiple times,” Bringgold said.

Blizzard warnings will be in effect from Sunday night through 6 a.m. Monday in areas including New Ulm and Worthington. Northern Minnesota is also getting heavy snow and could see up to 12 inches by the time the system has moved through.

The heavy snow helped freshman Tony Martin and his friends construct a snowman in the Upper Quad.

“My favorite part is probably getting to come outside and build snowmen with my buddies,” Martin said. “My least favorite part is that it’s cold.”

Martin said it wasn’t easy getting him to zip his jacket and lace his boots. It took a little coaxing from his friend to get Martin to brave the conditions.

“I live in North Carolina, so I’d rather be on the beach at my beach house at Emerald Isle,” Martin said.

Martin and his friends enjoyed the snow in their own front yard, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation told those in west-central Minnesota to do the same when it issued a no travel advisory Sunday. The no travel advisory includes Becker, Big Stone, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Mahnomen, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Swift, Traverse and Wilkin counties.

The Minnesota State Patrol said troopers handled 239 crashes and 398 vehicles off the road during the day Sunday. There were no serious injuries or fatalities.

Airport spokesman Pat Hogan said that as of Sunday morning, more than 50 flights had already been canceled.

The snow may be appealing for some, however, freshman Bryson Rossing said he wouldn’t be partaking in outdoor activities for long.